Validity and Responsiveness of the Revised Nottingham Sensation Assessment for Outcome Evaluation in Stroke Rehabilitation

[Psychometric properties of performance outcome tools to assess sensitivity in subjects with stroke sequela: A systematic review]

The objective was to perform a systematic review of those performance outcomes (HRD) tools that assess sensitivity in post-stroke subjects, as well as to know which of all is the most reliable and viable. The design was a systematic review. The following were included: HRD, developed in post-stroke subjects, of any etiology and period of evolution; 18 years of age or older and testing for sensitivity; results on psychometric properties. Excluded: self-reported results, the report of cross-cultural adaptation, designed through computerized means. 19 HRD were acquired. The psychometric properties analyzed were reliability, internal consistency, measurement error, construct validity, content validity, and sensitivity to change, the first being the most studied. Psychometric properties were identified, assessed, compared, and summarized. Of all of them, we recommend the use of the modified Erasmus Nottingham Sensory Assessment, as it presents the best degree of confidence in the evidence.

Comparisons of three different modes of digital mirror therapy for post-stroke rehabilitation: Preliminary results of randomized controlled trial

Objective

Technologically adapted mirror therapy shows promising results in improving motor function for stroke survivors. The treatment effects of a newly developed multi-mode stroke rehabilitation system offering multiple training modes in digital mirror therapy remain unknown. This study aimed to examine the effects of unilateral mirror visual feedback (MVF) with unimanual training (UM-UT), unilateral MVF with bimanual training (UM-BT), and bilateral MVF with bimanual training (BM-BT) on clinical outcomes in stroke survivors, compared to classical mirror therapy (CMT).

Methods

Thirty-five participants were randomly assigned to one of four groups receiving fifteen 60-minute training sessions for 3-4 weeks. The Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Upper Extremity (FMA-UE), Chedoke Arm and Hand Activity Inventory (CAHAI), Revised Nottingham Sensory Assessment (rNSA), Motor Activity Log (MAL), and EQ-5D-5L were administered at pre- and post-intervention and at 1-month follow-up.

Results

After intervention and follow-up, significant within-group treatment efficacies were found on most primary outcomes of the FMA-UE and CAHAI scores in all four groups. Significant within-group improvements in the secondary outcomes were found on the MAL and EQ-5D-5L index in the UM-BT group, and the rNSA tactile sensation and MAL quality of movement subscales in the BM-BT group. No significant between-group treatment efficacies were found.

Conclusions

UM-UT, UM-BT, BM-BT, and CMT led to similar clinical effects on the FMA-UE and can be considered effective alternative interventions for post-stroke upper-limb motor rehabilitation. UM-BT and BM-BT showed within-group improvements in functional performance in the patients' affected upper limbs in real-life activities.

Assessment for Tactile Perception in Children With Cerebral Palsy

IMPORTANCE

Impaired tactile perception frequently accompanies motor deficits in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Assessing tactile perception precisely for children with CP remains challenging because of a lack of assessments with robust psychometric evidence or standard procedures.

OBJECTIVE

To develop a standardized assessment tool, the Tactile Perceptual Test (TPT), for measuring tactile perception in children with CP and to examine its psychometric properties.

DESIGN

Observational study design.

SETTING

University research laboratory and medical center.

PARTICIPANTS

Children with CP (n = 100) and typical development (TD; n = 50).

OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The TPT includes four subtests measuring stereognosis, roughness, hardness, and heaviness. Three comparator instruments, Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments, Two-Point Discrimination, and the stereognosis subtest of the Revised Nottingham Sensory Assessment, were used for convergent validity.

RESULTS

Good test-retest reliability was confirmed for all of the TPT subtests. The values of minimal detectable change were acceptable. Moderate correlations between the TPT and comparator instruments were found, as expected. For known-groups validity, the significant difference was confirmed between children with CP and those with TD.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

The TPT is a reliable and valid measure for multiple subdomains of tactile perception in children with CP. This tactile assessment may help clarify tactile performance to provide appropriate, precise interventions. What This Article Adds: The TPT measures tactile perception in children with CP. It has four subdomains of tactile perception that could facilitate prioritization of tactile treatment of specific subdomains and thereby aid in the provision of appropriate interventions.

Psychometric properties of light touch-pressure somatosensory measures in adults with neurological disorders: A systematic review

OBJECTIVES

To critically appraise the psychometric properties of light touch-pressure somatosensory assessments to provide guidance for tool selection for research or clinical purposes.

DATA SOURCES

MEDLINE, CINAHL, and PsycInfo were searched for research indexed from January 1990-November 2022. English language and human subject filters were applied. "Somatosensation", "psychometric property", and "nervous system-based health condition" search terms were combined. Grey literature and manual searches were conducted to ensure thoroughness.

REVIEW METHODS

The reliability, construct validity, and/or measurement error of light touch-pressure assessments was reviewed in adult populations with neurological disorders. Reviewers individually extracted and managed data including patient demographics, assessment characteristics, statistical methods, and psychometric properties. Methodological quality of results was evaluated using an adapted version of the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments checklist.

RESULTS

Thirty-three of 1938 articles were included for review. Fifteen light touch-pressure assessments demonstrated good or excellent reliability. Further, five of those 15 assessments achieved adequate validity and one of the 15 assessments achieved adequate measurement error. Over 80% of the summarized study ratings were determined to be of low or very low quality.

CONCLUSION

We recommend using electrical perceptual tests, the Semmes-Weinstein Monofilaments, the Graded and Redefined Assessment of Strength, Sensibility, and Prehension, and the Moving Touch Pressure Test given that they demonstrated good to excellent results in three psychometric properties. No other assessment achieved adequate ratings in more than two psychometric properties. This review highlights a fundamental need to develop sensory assessments that are reliable, valid, and sensitive to change.

Where Are We on Proprioception Assessment Tests Among Poststroke Individuals? A Systematic Review of Psychometric Properties

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Proprioception is often impaired in poststroke individuals. This is a significant issue since altered proprioception is associated with poorer physical function outcomes poststroke. However, there is limited consensus on the best tools for assessing proprioception and support for their widespread use by clinicians. The objective is to appraise the psychometric properties of each test used to assess proprioception in poststroke individuals.

METHODS

A systematic search was performed according to PRISMA guidelines using the databases MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, PEDro, DiTa, and BioMedicalCentral for articles published up to January 2021.

RESULTS

Sixteen studies of low methodological quality were included. Sixteen different proprioception assessment tests were extracted. The proprioception portion of the Fugl-Meyer Assessment Scale was found to be the most valid and reliable tool for screening patients in clinical settings. Although no real gold standard exists, the technological devices demonstrated better responsiveness and measurement accuracy than clinical tests. Technological devices might be more appropriate for assessing proprioception recovery or better suited for research purposes.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

This review revealed low-quality articles and a paucity of tests with good psychometric properties available to clinicians to properly screen and assess all subcomponents of proprioception. In perspective, technological devices, such as robotic orthoses or muscle vibration, may provide the best potential for assessing the different subcomponents of proprioception. Further studies should be conducted to develop and investigate such approaches.Video, Supplemental Digital Content 1, available at:http://links.lww.com/JNPT/A388.

Correlation Between Proprioceptive Impairment and Motor Deficits After Stroke: A Meta-Analysis Review

Introduction: Proprioceptive impairment is a common symptom after stroke. Clarifying how proprioception correlates with motor function after stroke may be helpful in optimizing proprioception-augmented movement training. Previous studies have shown inconsistent findings. A meta-analysis is an optimal method to explore the correlation and identify the factors contributing to these inconsistencies.

Objective: To explore the correlation between proprioception and motor function after stroke through a meta-analysis, taking into account characteristics of the measurements used in these studies.

Methods: We searched multiple databases until November 2021 for eligible studies that measured both proprioception and motor functions in persons with stroke and reported their correlation or data for correlation analysis. A meta-analysis of the correlations was performed. The subgroup analysis and meta-regression were further conducted to investigate potential factors contributing to the heterogeneity of correlation strength, based on the participants' characteristics, proprioception, and motor function measures.

Results: In total, 28 studies comprising of 1,829 participants with stroke were included in the meta-analysis. The overall correlation between proprioception and motor function was significant (r = 0.267, p < 0.05), but there was heterogeneity across studies (I² = 45%, p < 0.05). The results of the subgroup analysis showed proprioception of the axial segment in weight-bearing conditions (r = 0.443, p < 0.05) and upper limb without weight-bearing (r = 0.292, p < 0.05) had a stronger correlation with motor function than proprioception of the lower limb without weight-bearing. The proprioception measured through ipsilateral matching (r = 0.412, p < 0.05) showed a stronger correlation with motor function than through contralateral matching. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) domains of motor function, movement function (r = 0.338, p < 0.05), activity performance (r = 0.239, p < 0.05), and independence (r = 0.319, p < 0.05) showed a stronger correlation with proprioception than with other domains.

Conclusion: There is a significant correlation between proprioception and motor dysfunction after stroke. The proprioception measured in the axial segment under weight-bearing conditions or measured with ipsilateral matching, and motor function, specifically in the ICF domains of movement function, activity performance, and independence showed a positive contribution to the association between proprioception and motor function. The correlation does not imply causation and might be underestimated by attributes of current tests for proprioception and motor function. Further studies are needed to clarify the cause-effect relationship.

Prediction of Upper Limb use Three Months after Stroke: A Prospective Longitudinal Study

BACKGROUND

A major goal of upper limb (UL) rehabilitation after stroke is to facilitate the use of the paretic arm in daily life activities.

PURPOSE

To examine if UL impairment two weeks after stroke can predict real-life UL use at three months. Furthermore, to identify additional factors which contribute to future UL use, and characteristics of patients who do not achieve normal UL use.

METHODS

This study included patients with stroke ≥ 18 years. UL impairment was assessed by Fugl-Meyer upper extremity motor assessment (FM). Use ratio between affected and unaffected UL was assessed with accelerometers at three months after stroke. The association between FM score and UL use ratio was investigated with linear regression models and adjusted for secondary variables. Non-normal use was examined by a logistic regression.

RESULTS

Eighty-seven patients were included. FM score two weeks after stroke predicted 38% of the variance in UL use ratio three months after stroke. A multivariate regression model predicted 55%, and the significant predictors were FM, motor-evoked potential (MEP) status, and neglect. Non-normal use could be predicted with a high accuracy based on MEP and/or neglect. In a logistic regression sensitivity for prediction of non-normal use was 0.93 and specificity was 0.75.

CONCLUSION

Better baseline capacity of the paretic UL predicted increased use of the arm and hand in daily life. Non-normal UL use could be predicted reliably based on the absence of MEPs and/or presence of neglect.

Is Recovery of Somatosensory Impairment Conditional for Upper-Limb Motor Recovery Early After Stroke?

Background. Spontaneous recovery early after stroke is most evident during a time-sensitive window of heightened neuroplasticity, known as spontaneous neurobiological recovery. It is unknown whether poststroke upper-limb motor and somatosensory impairment both reflect spontaneous neurobiological recovery or if somatosensory impairment and/or recovery influences motor recovery. Methods. Motor (Fugl-Meyer upper-extremity [FM-UE]) and somatosensory impairments (Erasmus modification of the Nottingham Sensory Assessment [EmNSA-UE]) were measured in 215 patients within 3 weeks and at 5, 12, and 26 weeks after a first-ever ischemic stroke. The longitudinal association between FM-UE and EmNSA-UE was examined in patients with motor and somatosensory impairments (FM-UE ≤ 60 and EmNSA-UE ≤ 37) at baseline. Results. A total of 94 patients were included in the longitudinal analysis. EmNSA-UE increased significantly up to 12 weeks poststroke. The longitudinal association between motor and somatosensory impairment disappeared when correcting for progress of time and was not significantly different for patients with severe baseline somatosensory impairment. Patients with a FM-UE score ≥18 at 26 weeks (n = 55) showed a significant positive association between motor and somatosensory impairments, irrespective of progress of time. Conclusions. Progress of time, as a reflection of spontaneous neurobiological recovery, is an important factor that drives recovery of upper-limb motor as well as somatosensory impairments in the first 12 weeks poststroke. Severe somatosensory impairment at baseline does not directly compromise motor recovery. The study rather suggests that spontaneous recovery of somatosensory impairment is a prerequisite for full motor recovery of the upper paretic limb.

Outcome measurement of hand function following mirror therapy for stroke rehabilitation: A systematic review

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review.

INTRODUCTION

Mirror therapy is a treatment used to address hand function following a stroke. Measurement of outcomes using appropriate assessment tools is crucial; however, many assessment options exist.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

The purpose of this study is to systematically review outcome measures that are used to assess hand function following mirror therapy after stroke and, in addition, to identify the psychometric and descriptive properties of the included measures and through the linking process determine if the outcome measures are representative of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF).

METHODS

Following a comprehensive literature search, outcome measures used in the included studies were linked to the ICF and analyzed based on descriptive information and psychometric properties.

RESULTS

Eleven studies met inclusion criteria and included 24 different assessment tools to measure hand or upper limb function. Most outcome measures used in the selected studies (63%) were rated by the evaluating therapist. Thirteen outcome measures (54%) linked to the ICF body function category and 10 measures (42%) linked to activities and participation. One outcome measure was linked to not defined, and all other ICF categories were not represented. A majority of outcome measures have been assessed for validity, reliability, and responsiveness, but responsiveness was the least investigated psychometric property.

DISCUSSION

Current studies on mirror therapy after stroke are not consistent in the assessment tools used to determine hand function. Understanding of study outcomes requires analysis of the assessment tools. The outcome measures used in the included studies are not representative of personal and environmental factors, but tools linking to body functions and activities and participations provide important information on functional outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Integrating a combination of measures that are psychometrically sound and reflective of the ICF should be considered for assessment of hand function after mirror therapy after stroke.

Improving Hand Function of Severely Impaired Chronic Hemiparetic Stroke Individuals Using Task-Specific Training With the ReIn-Hand System: A Case Series

Purpose: In this study, we explored whether improved hand function is possible in poststroke chronic hemiparetic individuals with severe upper limb motor impairments when they participate in device-aided task-specific practice. Subjects: Eight participants suffering from chronic stroke (>1-year poststroke, mean: 11.2 years) with severely impaired upper extremity movement (Upper Extremity Subscale of the Fugl-Meyer Motor Assessment (UEFMA) score between 10 and 24) participated in this study. Methods: Subjects were recruited to participate in a 20-session intervention (3 sessions/7 weeks). During each session, participants performed 20-30 trials of reaching, grasping, retrieving, and releasing a jar with the assistance of a novel electromyography-driven functional electrical stimulation (EMG-FES) system. This EMG-FES system allows for Reliable and Intuitive use of the Hand (called ReIn-Hand device) during multi-joint arm movements. Pre-, post-, and 3-month follow-up outcome assessments included the UEFMA, Cherokee McMaster Stroke Assessment, grip dynamometry, Box and Blocks Test (BBT), goniometric assessment of active and passive ranges of motion (ROMs) of the wrist and the metacarpophalangeal flexion and extension (II, V fingers), Nottingham Sensory Assessment-Stereognosis portion (NSA), and Cutaneous Sensory Touch Threshold Assessment. Results: A nonparametric Friedman test of differences found significant changes in the BBT scores (χ2 = 10.38, p < 0.05), the passive and active ROMs (χ2 = 11.31, p < 0.05 and χ2 = 12.45, p < 0.01, respectively), and the NSA scores (χ2 = 6.42, p < 0.05) following a multi-session intervention using the ReIn-Hand device. Conclusions: These results suggest that using the ReIn-Hand device during reaching and grasping activities may contribute to improvements in gross motor function and sensation (stereognosis) in individuals with chronic severe UE motor impairment following stroke.

Is There Full or Proportional Somatosensory Recovery in the Upper Limb After Stroke? Investigating Behavioral Outcome and Neural Correlates

BACKGROUND

Proportional motor recovery in the upper limb has been investigated, indicating about 70% of the potential for recovery of motor impairment within the first months poststroke.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether the proportional recovery rule is applicable for upper-limb somatosensory impairment and to study underlying neural correlates of impairment and outcome at 6 months.

METHODS

A total of 32 patients were evaluated at 4 to 7 days and 6 months using the Erasmus MC modification of the revised Nottingham Sensory Assessment (NSA) for impairment of (1) somatosensory perception (exteroception) and (2) passive somatosensory processing (sharp/blunt discrimination and proprioception); (3) active somatosensory processing was evaluated using the stereognosis component of the NSA. Magnetic resonance imaging scans were obtained within 1 week poststroke, from which lesion load (LL) was calculated for key somatosensory tracts.

RESULTS

Somatosensory perception fully recovered within 6 months. Passive and active somatosensory processing showed proportional recovery of 86% (95% CI = 79%-93%) and 69% (95% CI = 49%-89%), respectively. Patients with somatosensory impairment at 4 to 7 days showed significantly greater thalamocortical and insulo-opercular tracts (TCT and IOT) LL ( P < .05) in comparison to patients without impairment. Sensorimotor tract disruption at 4 to 7 days did not provide significant contribution above somatosensory processing score at 4 to 7 days when predicting somatosensory processing outcome at 6 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Our sample of stroke patients assessed early showed full somatosensory perception but proportional passive and active somatosensory processing recovery. Disruption of both the TCT and IOT early after stroke appears to be a factor associated with somatosensory impairment but not outcome.

Over-focused? The relation between patients' inclination for conscious control and single- and dual-task motor performance after stroke

BACKGROUND

Many stroke patients are inclined to consciously control their movements. This is thought to negatively affect patients' motor performance, as it disrupts movement automaticity. However, it has also been argued that conscious control may sometimes benefit motor performance, depending on the task or patientś motor or cognitive capacity.

AIM

To assess whether stroke patients' inclination for conscious control is associated with motor performance, and explore whether the putative association differs as a function of task (single- vs dual) or patientś motor and cognitive capacity.

METHODS

Univariate and multivariate linear regression analysis were used to assess associations between patients' disposition to conscious control (i.e., Conscious Motor Processing subscale of Movement-Specific Reinvestment Scale; MSRS-CMP) and single-task (Timed-up-and-go test; TuG) and motor dual-task costs (TuG while tone counting; motor DTC%). We determined whether these associations were influenced by patients' walking speed (i.e., 10-m-walk test) and cognitive capacity (i.e., working memory, attention, executive function).

RESULTS

Seventy-eight clinical stroke patients (<6 months post-stroke) participated. Patients' conscious control inclination was not associated with single-task TuG performance. However, patients with a strong inclination for conscious control showed higher motor DTC%. These associations were irrespective of patients' motor and cognitive abilities.

CONCLUSION

Patients' disposition for conscious control was not associated with single task motor performance, but was associated with higher motor dual task costs, regardless of patients' motor or cognitive abilities.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Therapists should be aware that patients' conscious control inclination can influence their dual-task performance while moving. Longitudinal studies are required to test whether reducing patients' disposition for conscious control would improve dual-tasking post-stroke.

Spatial Neglect Predicts Upper Limb Use in the Activities of Daily Living

Background and Purpose: Motor tests performed at stroke onset have been shown to predict the recovery of upper limb motor impairment. Less is known about upper limb recovery at the level of functional activity or of participation and how spatial neglect may influence the integration of the upper limb in the activities of daily living (ADL). Our objective was to investigate whether the initial severity of spatial neglect may predict upper limb use in ADL. Methods: Eighty-two patients with a right-hemispheric stroke (RHS) were prospectively included in the study. They were assessed twice in the acute/subacute and in the subacute/chronic phases (mean time interval of 45 days) after stroke. The Catherine Bergego Scale (CBS) was used to quantify the influence of spatial neglect on the ADL. Contralesional upper limb use in the ADL was evaluated with the Lucerne international classification of function, disability and health-based Multidisciplinary Observation Scale. Hand strength was measured using the Jamar, dexterity with the Nine Hole Peg test, and tactile perception using the stereognosis subtest of the Nottingham Sensory Assessment. Cognitive functions were assessed with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment. Results: Regression analyses revealed that spatial neglect is an independent and a significant predictor of upper limb outcome. A CBS score of ≤5 at the time of admission to neurorehabilitation care was highly predictive for good upper limb use in the ADL 45 days later. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that spatial neglect severity, as observed in the ADL, is a significant and an independent predictor of upper limb outcome. Neglect therapy is thus needed to further improve contralesional upper limb use in the ADL in RHS patients.